EOS R3 vs EOS-1D X Mark III vs EOS R5 Feature Comparison

The new Canon EOS R3 is a professional full frame mirrorless camera that’s built for speed with a range of new features to ensure you capture the action.

Here, we examine how the Canon EOS R3 compares to the flagship Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and the equally impressive EOS R5 to help you decide which of our pro cameras is best for you.

EOS R3 vs EOS-1D X Mark III vs EOS R5 cameras

Choice of camera format

The first decision to make is which format between DSLR and Mirrorless best suits your needs and shooting style. Many photographers are more comfortable in shooting with an optical viewfinder and value the traditional feel and usability of a flagship DSLR like the EOS-1D X Mark III. Other advantages of the EOS-1D X Mark II include longer battery life, ideal if you are out on assignment and shooting for long periods of time. On the other hand if you are looking for a more compact lightweight body design and innovative features like advanced subject tracking and In-Body Image Stabilization then the mirrorless EOS R3 or EOS R5 might be a better choice for you.

Lens systems

Taking the leap from and EOS DSLR to and EOS R Mirrorless camera opens up your shooting possibilities to Canon’s new RF lens range which is rapidly expanding and now includes 25 options from wide angle to super telephoto, with compact and affordable entry level options in addition to a range of L series professional lenses with advanced features not offered in the EF lens range. The EF-EOS R lens adapter also offers photographers the option of using their existing EF and EF-S lenses on EOS R cameras with no loss in quality or speed. Find out more about the RF lens range: https://www.canon.com.au/explore/rf-lens-benefits

Shooting style

Whilst at first glance there may appear to be a huge range of shared features, each of these 3 cameras has its own unique strengths which are catered for different types of shooting:

Product image of EOS R3 mirrorless camera

EOS R3: Best for shooting fast moving subjects and photographers who need ultimate speed and tracking ability. With 30fps continuous shooting, Eye Control AF and Canon’s most advanced subject tracking to date, the EOS R3 is a camera that excels in shooting moving subjects making it ideal for sports, action and wildlife photographers. Find out more about the EOS R3 here: https://www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-r3

Product image of EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR camera

EOS-1D X Mark III: Our flagship camera is the best choice for professional photographers who are regularly shooting a variety of subjects and need ultimate flexibility, build quality and performance in the toughest of situations. With its longer battery life, optical viewfinder and extremely strong body design the EOS-1D X Mark III is the camera that you want to have in your bag when you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. From shooting in all weather, day or night on the sidelines of sports to documenting the latest breaking news events, this trusted workhorse can do it all without skipping a beat. Find out more about the EOS-1D X Mark III here: https://www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-1d-x-mark-iii

Product image of EOS R5 mirrorless camera

EOS R5: Best for photographers who are shooting landscapes, weddings, events, commercial and video with needs for a more compact lightweight body size and extra resolution for larger images. The EOS R5 continues the tradition of the EOS 5 series offering a versatile camera in a compact format. Find out more about the EOS R5 here: https://www.canon.com.au/cameras/eos-r5

Strengths of each model:

EOS R3	EOS-1D X Mark III	EOS R5
Best for shooting fast moving subjects and photographers who need ultimate speed and tracking ability	Best for shooting a variety of subjects and need ultimate flexibility, build quality and performance in the toughest of situations.	Best for shooting landscapes, weddings, commercial and video with needs for a more compact lightweight body size and extra resolution
New body design, lightweight with integrated vertical grip	Ultimate build quality	Compact size and weight
Eye Control AF	Dual CFexpress cards	More megapixels for larger file sizes
Continuous shooting speed (with electronic shutter)	Continuous shooting (with mechanical shutter)	8K movies
Advanced subject tracking	Optical viewfinder	Advanced subject tracking
In body Image Stabilization (vs 1DXIII)	Battery life	In body Image Stabilization (vs 1DXIII)
Flash sync with electronic shutter	High sensitivity ISO for low light shooting	Lower body price

Key Specification Comparison:

	EOS R3	EOS-1D X Mark III	EOS R5
Type	Mirrorless	DSLR	Mirrorless
Lens Mount	RF	EF	RF
Sensor	Full Frame Back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor	Full Frame CMOS sensor	Full Frame CMOS sensor
Megapixels	24.1MP	20.1MP	45MP
Processor	DIGIC X	DIGIC X	DIGIC X
ISO Range	100 – 102400	100 – 102400	100 – 51200
Memory Cards	1x CFexpress 1 x SDXC/SDHC/SD	2x CFexpress	1x CFexpress 1 x SDXC/SDHC/SD
Movie Recording Size (Max RAW)	6K – 60P	5.5K – 60P	8K – 30p
Viewfinder	5.76MP OLED EVF	Optical Viewfinder	5.76MP OLED EVF
Continuous Shooting – Electronic	30 frames per second	20 frames per second	20 frames per second
Continuous Shooting – Mechanical	12 frames per second	16 frames per second	12 frames per second
LCD Screen	4.15 million dot 3.2” vari-angle LCD screen	2.1 million dot 3.2” LCD screen	2.1 million dot 3.2” vari-angle LCD screen
Subject Tracking	All AF area modes	Only with Face+Tracking	Only with Face+Tracking
Subject Detection	People, Animals (dogs, cats, birds), Vehicles (motorsport cars, motorcycles)	People	People, Animals (dogs, cats, birds)
Eye Control AF	Yes	No	No
Multi Controller Joystick	Yes	Yes	Yes
Optical Smart Controller	Yes	Yes	No
Maximum shutter speed (Electronic)	1/64000	1/8000	1/8000
In Body Image Stabilizer	Yes	No	Yes
Bulb Timer	Yes	No	Yes
Interval Timer	Yes	No	Yes
Battery	LPE-19	LPE-19	LPE-6NH
Multi Function Shoe	Yes	No	No
Dimensions (WxHxD in mm)	150.0 x 142.6 x 87.2	138.5 x 97.5 x 88.0	158.0 x 167.6 x 82.6
Weight (inc battery and cards in grams)	1015	1440	738